IT Manager vs. IT Leader – Learn to Be Both
Posted June 24th, 2014
People in senior IT positions have to strike a difficult balance. Short-term success depends on managing the day to day operational details, but long-term growth and relevance requires leaders to motivate and innovate. That leaves many senior staff wishing they could have two heads – one to act as a manager, and the other to act as a leader.
Luckily, it’s possible to embody both roles, as long as you are committed to personal and professional development. Ambitious IT professionals have learned that leading and managing are not mutually exclusive, and they have made themselves invaluable to their employers in the process. Use these tips to help mold yourself into a leader/manager of the future.
Conduct an Honest Self Assessment
Both effective leadership and effective management are measured in results. That’s why it’s so important to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses to help guide your professional development. Do you have trouble communicating? That might make you a less effective leader. Are you empathetic? If not, you might struggle to manage a team. Determine what you most need to work on and make that your focus.
Seek Out Education and Advice
It’s a common misconception that great leaders and managers are born rather than created. The truth is that with the right course of study, you can learn to be an inspirational leader, or an effective manager. Seek our continuing education courses in management theory, communications, organizational development, history, or any other subject you feel could broaden your relevant skill set. Mentors with proven success as leaders or managers are also great resources.
Analyze Your Organization
Is your company lacking leaders or lacking managers? Do you have leaders with vision that fail to motivate? Do you have managers that are great with people but struggle with details? If your goal is to make yourself an indispensable part of your company, take a long hard look at what is working and what is not. Success in senior IT positions does not require you to be the best leader/manager of all time, but just the best leader/manager for your current employer. Analyze your organization closely, and align your goals with their needs.
There is a wealth of free information out there about the traits of great leaders and great managers. This is a good reference to start with, because not everyone is honestly qualified to wear both hats. You might be happier and more successful as just a manager rather than trying to graft leadership skills on as well. If you need help guiding your development, or finding proven leader/managers to bring into your organization, rely on the expertise of Bayside Solutions.
